Mercedes has announced the 2015 C-Class will be priced from $38,400 in the United States.

Set to go on sale in September, the redesigned sedan will come nicely equipped with power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a COMAND infotainment system with a seven-inch display.

A variety of options will be available including a heads-up display, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof and an AIRMATIC air suspension. There will also be an assortment of packages including an Interior Package that adds leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and ambient lighting. The Sport Package, on the other hand, adds an AMG body kit, a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch AMG alloy wheels.

The entry-level C300 features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 241 bhp (179 kW) and 273 lb-ft (369 Nm) torque. It is connected to a 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission which can be paired to optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive system for additional $2,000.

To be clear, the $38,400 number is for RWD models which won't even be available here until 2015. All of the first allocations will be 4MATIC models, which start at $41,325 (C300) and $49,515 (C350).

Wise of Mercedes to hit the "gotta have it first" crowd with higher prices, because they likely know they'll be lost cost conscious than someone who is truly cross shopping with A4, 3 Series, IS, etc.

I personally think this car is pretty expensive compared to it's class, but perhaps Mercedes is happy with that considering the success of the CLA.

2K more than the is250... 3k more than the a4, and 6k more than the 320i. Its definitely the priciest but if its a reflection of the latest cars it might be worth it... Also at 241hp it has far more power than any of the base cars...

I think its a good move. Those that just want a Tri-Star badge will buy a CLA. Those that are not fooled by that stylish entry level will spare no expense getting into a proper core RWD Benz which looks to have the luxury to back up it's premium price tag.

Mercedes is clearly trying to position themselves just a smidge above the competition with this model (and presumably the next E-class). It's pricing structure seems to be mirroring the S-class in relation to its competitors, albeit on a smaller scale.

It's not wise of MBZ to price it high, it's pure greed. Hiding the base 2WD models in the beginning is a bold and obvious move to sucker in those who can't wait. If that's the case, let the fools pay top dollar.
This type of marketing makes me ill. It is also bad for everyone else in the world because it helps break down affordable pricing and forces society to accept higher creeping prices. Soon enough, this class of cars will have risen their base prices yet another few thousand and we'll all be in the $40's for base models. Where does it end!? And I don't buy the baby CLA taking the place of what was once the C class. It will take 10 years for the baby CLA to gain respect. In the meantime, everyone will be overpaying and the competitors will follow suit. We all lose.

It's not wise of MBZ to price it high, it's pure greed. Hiding the base 2WD models in the beginning is a bold and obvious move to sucker in those who can't wait. If that's the case, let the fools pay top dollar.
This type of marketing makes me ill. It is also bad for everyone else in the world because it helps break down affordable pricing and forces society to accept higher creeping prices. Soon enough, this class of cars will have risen their base prices yet another few thousand and we'll all be in the $40's for base models. Where does it end!? And I don't buy the baby CLA taking the place of what was once the C class. It will take 10 years for the baby CLA to gain respect. In the meantime, everyone will be overpaying and the competitors will follow suit. We all lose.

If it means a nicer interior and not an interior littered with cheap shortcuts then I say bring it on. Luxury makes are getting lazy on the lower end models, meanwhile more pedestrian makes are making strides and knocking on the door of more premier marques.